KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has called on the government to cut petrol prices by Rs30 per litre. He based this demand on the recent decline in global crude oil prices, which have now fallen below $67 per barrel. Rehman highlighted that the government can leverage these reduced costs to ease financial strain on the public.
Speaking to Express News on Wednesday, Rehman criticized the government for imposing an additional tax of PKR 60 per litre through the petroleum levy. He labeled this as an “unjust and illegitimate” tax, urging authorities to remove it for the sake of economic relief. According to Rehman, eliminating the levy could significantly boost economic activity, providing much-needed respite for the country’s struggling economy.
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Demand for Prompt Action
Rehman stated that the government should act promptly in light of the dropping global oil prices. He said the nation’s citizens should see the benefit of reduced prices at the pump, especially as households continue to face rising costs in other essential goods. “This is a time to think about the public, who are bearing the brunt of inflated prices in every sector,” he asserted.
On October 15, the government announced a Rs5 increase in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre. Officials justified the hike, citing global price fluctuations. However, the petrol price remained at Rs247.03 per litre, a move that disappointed many awaiting a reduction.
With the next pricing review on November 1, there is speculation that the government may lower prices. Analysts say that if the reduction happens, it would offer some relief to the public in a time of economic hardship. However, uncertainty remains regarding whether the government will indeed pass on the benefits of lower global prices to local consumers.
Rehman emphasized the urgency of revisiting petrol prices and tax policies to reflect changes in the global market. He warned that continued price hikes would further burden an already struggling population, pushing many families to the brink.
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